John P. McGowan, known as Max, age 75, passed away on February 25th at First Health Hospice in Pinehurst. He was born in Milwaukee on July 30, 1944, the son of Donald J. and Rachel Clegg McGowan.
In addition to his parents, Max was predeceased by his brother Thomas C. McGowan. Surviving are his wife, Barbara Call McGowan; his daughter, Francie Conway, her husband Mike Conway and their son Calvin; his son
Brendan J. McGowan; his brother Donald J. McGowan and wife Sharon; brother Conde F. McGowan and wife Ann; sister-in-law Karen McGowan and nine nieces and nephews.
After graduating from Marquette University, Max worked at Marquette for basketball Coach Al McGuire as Sports Information Director, and subsequently moved to Charlotte, NC to begin a career in advertising. He met his wife, Barbara there, and was then hired by Tenneco Automotive in Chicago as a Marketing Director. He worked for Tenneco for three years, and then opened his own ad agency, Maximum Marketing Services, in Chicago, in 1981. He retired in 2005, having sold the agency to his key employee. The business continues to thrive today with most of Max’s original staff. In retirement, he owned a storage locker facility, Highway 401 Storage, in Raeford, N. C.
Max’s greatest interest, besides his family, was in sports. He was a loyal fan of the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs and of course the Marquette Golden Eagles. He enjoyed golf, and this led to the family’s move to Pinehurst. He also had great interest in politics and followed national political events closely (and with an opinion).
Max will be remembered for his enormous heart and generosity. He helped many of his family, friends and employees in multiple ways throughout his life. He had a keen sense of humor and sharp wit that brought cheer to those around him. To be in his presence was to be surrounded by his supportive and loving spirit, and to be “lifted up”. He was Irish. His strength and resilience were always present, but never as powerful as at the end of his life when he fought a devastating and complex illness like a warrior. He was a man who loved his family and friends fiercely and with undying loyalty, and he is deeply loved in return.
Friends may visit the family at Boles Funeral Home in Southern Pines, 425 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, on Tuesday, March 3rd from 4:00- 6:00 p. m.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Teresa of Avila Church in Chicago on Friday, March 13 at 11:00 A. M.
Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com.
Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
